Japanese Stocks Follow U.S. Shares Higher as Insurers Advance

Japanese shares rose, with the Topix index extending a three-week high, after U.S. stocks climbed to records amid optimism about the gathering pace of recovery in the world™s largest economy. Insurers advanced. The Topix gained 0.4 percent to 1,433.50 as of 9:02 a.m. in Tokyo, with all but three of 33 industry groups increasing. The measure is poised for its highest close since Dec. 9. The Nikkei 225 Stock Average added 0.4 percent...

Asian Stocks Advance Amid Optimism in U.S Economic Recovery

Asian stocks rose, with the regional gauge heading for a 2 1/2-week high, amid optimism in the strength of the world™s largest economy. The MSCI Asia Pacific Index gained 0.2 percent to 138.04 as of 9:01 a.m. in Tokyo, before markets opened in Hong Kong and China. Australia™s S&P/ASX 200 Index added 0.5 percent, on volume 62 percent below the 30-day intraday average, as it...

Euro Approaches Two-Year Low on Greece Early Election Concern

The euro traded 0.1 percent from a two-year low as Greece™s prime minister attempts to get his presidential candidate confirmed and avoid an early parliamentary election that risks severing the nation™s international lifeline. The currencies of Australia and New Zealand fell after data showed industrial profits dropped in China, the South Pacific nations™ biggest trading partner. The yen weakened for a second day amid speculation Japan™s...